Kin of girl who lost her forearms still short of funds

Mumbai |
Updated: February 6, 2014 2:34 pm

Monika More, the 16-year-old student who lost both her forearms under a train after falling in a six-feet-wide gap at platform 2 at Ghatkopar railway station is still at KEM hospital undergoing treatment and physiotherapy. Doctors say it will take her another 25 days to recover.

Since her arms were severed below the elbow, sensory or nerve damage was avoided, doctors have told Monika’s family. Her options for a prosthetic arm are being considered and talks are under way between doctors, Monika’s family and prospective companies that have come forward to help her.

Representatives of Endolite, a Mahim-based company, visited Monika Tuesday, showing her videos about the use of prosthetics and providing information. Ganesh Ghagade, a close family friend said, “They told us she would only be able to perform 17-18 basic activities even with the prosthetic and not be able to undertake complex or heavy activities. But this is our only option.”

The cost of these prosthetics is still an issue for the family. The estimate given to them is around Rs 12 lakh just for one hand, not including the arm. The family has raised close to Rs 9.25 lakh through donations. They plan to raise more money by contacting non-government organisations.

Ghagade said, “Officials from the railway had given us forms to fill, saying the maximum compensation the railways can give us is Rs 4 lakh. This is not enough. We need as much as it takes for Monika to be fitted with prosthetics.”